I have received a few PM's and emails asking about this software version. We have been tuning with 231E since its release. When a customer orders our performance software they are updated to a tuned version of 231E automatically so there is no need to get this update before purchasing our tune.

I have received a few PM's and emails asking about this software version. We have been tuning with 231E since its release. When a customer orders our performance software they are updated to a tuned version of 231E automatically so there is no need to get this update before purchasing our tune.

Huh, interesting. Doesn't this mean that your other modules will be out of sync, if you are just updating the main DME software?

231E is backwards compatable with older module software. If you want to update older module software at the dealer you can but it is not required to update the ECU to 231E.

Right, but remember that the system the dealership uses will throw errors if you try to update it and the modules don't match. I know that updating the light control module on my old 335i made the dealership's computer barf when they tried to update. (I had to replace it with a friend's unit that had the original software on it)

I don't know what happens when the module is older than the main DME software, but I do know that it can barf when the module is newer. Not trying to throw you guys under the bus, but the other tuners usually don't update the DME software without updating the modules, just curious if you guys are doing something special or if the customer will have issues if they try to get their software updated.

Right, but remember that the system the dealership uses will throw errors if you try to update it and the modules don't match. I know that updating the light control module on my old 335i made the dealership's computer barf when they tried to update. (I had to replace it with a friend's unit that had the original software on it)

I don't know what happens when the module is older than the main DME software, but I do know that it can barf when the module is newer. Not trying to throw you guys under the bus, but the other tuners usually don't update the DME software without updating the modules, just curious if you guys are doing something special or if the customer will have issues if they try to get their software updated.

I have never had a report of an issue with an updated ECU causing issues with control module software in a vehicle from a customer and we have tuned hundreds of cars. If it is a concern you can always load your original stock software file back to the car with our E-flash before dealer visits. At this point your original software will be back to what the vehicle had in it before any tuning was done.

This is similar to swapping the idrive control in an early '08 car to the newer version. When you go to update the software it will fail if it finds the new controller. For this whenever I take the car for an update I put back the old idrive controller for a complete integration.

The BMW software update system is smart and will pick up even the smallest annomoly. Also when updating the software on the BMW system you cannot carry out the update for individual components. You have to do the who car.

The other issue with the software update is that components may fail during the integration especially the telephone control module. The dealers won't take the responsibility for the component failure and so does BMW. Hence the reason they don't offer free update or encourage updates unless there is an obvious issue with car. If one is prepared to replace the failed component and prepared to pay for the workshop time for a total integration - which could be as long as 6-8 hours - then stealer will perform the update for you.
I have been though all this in the first two years of ownership. Thank you very much.

So I just came back from the dealership and this is the version I have. They said it was done sometime in 2011.
I-level plant E89X-08-03-520
Integrated level, HO E89X-11-03-502
New integration level available -yes

If someone could decode this and let me know which version of the DME I have, I'd greatly appreciate it.
The SA said the update will cost $284 but the disclaimer is they will not be responsible if any modules break after the update is done. Also, they said it will not do anything performance wise.

So I just came back from the dealership and this is the version I have. They said it was done sometime in 2011.
I-level plant E89X-08-03-520
Integrated level, HO E89X-11-03-502
New integration level available -yes

If someone could decode this and let me know which version of the DME I have, I'd greatly appreciate it.
The SA said the update will cost $284 but the disclaimer is they will not be responsible if any modules break after the update is done. Also, they said it will not do anything performance wise.

Your thoughts.

You are on a very old version of software, part of version v29.1.1, this has not been updated in quite some time. Without a baseline dyno before/after the update is applied - there is no way to accurately gauge if you are gaining hp as a result.

Early builds (08-09) on older software versions (060E, 080E, 100E) would likely be the ones that see measurable benefits rather than those M3s running later flashes. Still, it's a good idea to get updated to the latest version before applying aftermarket tunes.

You are on a very old version of software, part of version v29.1.1, this has not been updated in quite some time. Without a baseline dyno before/after the update is applied - there is no way to accurately gauge if you are gaining hp as a result.

Early builds (08-09) on older software versions (060E, 080E, 100E) would likely be the ones that see measurable benefits rather than those M3s running later flashes. Still, it's a good idea to get updated to the latest version before applying aftermarket tunes.

You are on a very old version of software, part of version v29.1.1, this has not been updated in quite some time. Without a baseline dyno before/after the update is applied - there is no way to accurately gauge if you are gaining hp as a result.

Early builds (08-09) on older software versions (060E, 080E, 100E) would likely be the ones that see measurable benefits rather than those M3s running later flashes. Still, it's a good idea to get updated to the latest version before applying aftermarket tunes.

Usually, I consider the butt dyno gains to be placebo, but I can definitely feel a difference!

If you have an old version, a dyno, and autologic nearby, this is worthwhile IMO. Hell, if 20 HP+ gains are possible (they are IME at least), it's worth the $284 the stealership is asking.

You are on a very old version of software, part of version v29.1.1, this has not been updated in quite some time. Without a baseline dyno before/after the update is applied - there is no way to accurately gauge if you are gaining hp as a result.

Early builds (08-09) on older software versions (060E, 080E, 100E) would likely be the ones that see measurable benefits rather than those M3s running later flashes. Still, it's a good idea to get updated to the latest version before applying aftermarket tunes.

Usually, I consider the butt dyno gains to be placebo, but I can definitely feel a difference!

If you have an old version, a dyno, and autologic nearby, this is worthwhile IMO. Hell, if 20 HP+ gains are possible (they are IME at least), it's worth the $284 the stealership is asking.

Exactly. Plus I have been advised to flash to the latest version before getting a tune.

You are on a very old version of software, part of version v29.1.1, this has not been updated in quite some time. Without a baseline dyno before/after the update is applied - there is no way to accurately gauge if you are gaining hp as a result.

Tom, in my other dyno thread you said this same "integration level" that I quoted for my car equated to v 2.41.x. How does that relate to the version you quote above? Just curious how to interpret the various version numbers floating around (understanding that they don't necessarily relate to improved power.) Thanks.

Tom, in my other dyno thread you said this same "integration level" that I quoted for my car equated to v 2.41.x. How does that relate to the version you quote above? Just curious how to interpret the various version numbers floating around (understanding that they don't necessarily relate to improved power.) Thanks.

Best way to tell would be to have it ID'd first, which is where the autologic comes in handy - we had the specific ID window integrated for any Autologic-equipped facility to easily find our for you. The Evolve (or other eFlash cables) will also show the SW version within the file name during the read/backup process.

The DME needs to be ID and/or read - with the proper equipment. Otherwise, it's just a guessing game.

You are on a very old version of software, part of version v29.1.1, this has not been updated in quite some time. Without a baseline dyno before/after the update is applied - there is no way to accurately gauge if you are gaining hp as a result.

Early builds (08-09) on older software versions (060E, 080E, 100E) would likely be the ones that see measurable benefits rather than those M3s running later flashes. Still, it's a good idea to get updated to the latest version before applying aftermarket tunes.

But what about ESS tune? As Roman said its all up to date? Kill two birds with one stone or no?